Four Spaniards held after US$300,000 watch snatch in millionaire playground Saint-Tropez

French authorities have apprehended four Spanish suspects following a high-value watch theft in the glamorous French Riviera town of Saint-Tropez. The luxury timepiece, valued at around US$300,000 by its rightful owner, was stolen from a Brazilian tourist in the popular vacation destination on Friday. However, the gendarmerie in the Var region reported that the stolen watch was eventually recovered and will be returned to its rightful owner.

The suspects are believed to have fled the scene by car and were subsequently apprehended in the nearby town of Cogolin after a pursuit through the winding roads surrounding the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. Saint-Tropez, renowned for its allure to celebrities, millionaires, and luxury tourism, is a frequent target for organized criminal gangs during the summer months.

According to regional newspaper Nice-Matin, around 15 luxury watches have been reported stolen in the Saint-Tropez area since the onset of the season, as confirmed by the gendarmerie.